NT700V

NT700V is a relatively new motorcycle put out by Honda in 2010. Because Honda bills it as a sport tourer and as a commuter, many call it a compromise bike. It isn’t the best as anything but my experience suggests that it is pretty darned good at most things.This report is based on my ride to Kittery, Maine last Saturday for a total of 388 miles. We did quite a bit of interstate highway riding. The NT had no trouble cruising at 75 mph, with engine humming along at 5000 rpm. If I needed a little more, there was still plenty of throttle.
My bike is stock except for three modifications: heated grips, wind deflectors and 1.2 inch (30 mm) risers. It was pretty chilly early in the morning, so I did use the heated grips though I probably didn’t really need them. The wind deflectors made a huge difference. They’re mounted on the fairing and look like a V turned on it’s side. You might wonder how well deflectors with a hole in them work? The answer is great. The engineer who designed them must have gotten an A in aerodynamics. Wind shoots above and below the grips and my hands were well protected. Lastly one can’t believe how much difference 1.2 inches difference in the position of the handle bars makes, but it’s huge. Onprevious bikes I would have been sore at the end of a 388 mile ride. I was tired, but there was no soreness in the lower back, arms or shoulders. With limited options for leg position you might expect leg fatigue but it wasn’t the case. However we did stop a few times to stretch and drain the old bilges. And the seat, on various forums I have heard many complain about seat discomfort and the need to change it our for an aftermarket variety. I have no complaints at all.
Though comfortable cruising on the highway, it is still fairly nimble with the 28° rake angle. So good on the highway and in the twistys. If you like a variety of riding conditions but can’t afford a stable of speciality bikes, the versatile NT700V Honda might be the bike for you.